A new musical version of Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS is to see the light of day in the West End; however dates and venue are yet to be announced.

The stage adaption will be brought to us by Julian Fellowes, with a book by George Stules and Anthony Drewe – the team behind trans-Atlantic success MARY POPPINS.

The Stage reports Fellowes as saying: “The Wind in the Willows is one of our greatest classics, and as true and entertaining now as it has ever been. I am delighted and tremendously flattered to have been asked to write the book for the new musical. In fact, I suspect this is something I’ve been wanting to do subconsciously for many years.”

Stiles adds: “Ever since working with Julian on Mary Poppins, the three of us have been looking for a new project. We all celebrate our English roots as writers, and the musical possibilities of Kenneth Grahame’s classic chime very strongly with me. The book itself is packed with music and songs so I can’t wait to find the sounds to score Ratty, Mole, Badger, Toad and their adventures.”

The much loved story notable for its mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality, and camaraderie and celebrated for its evocation of nature and its pastoral depiction of Southern England, will be produced by Jamie Hendry Productions.  Jamie Hendry has previously been involved with hits such as LEGALLY BLONDE, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES and SPRING AWAKENING.

Returning to the role of Roxie Hart is Sarah Soetaert who has also appeared in the West End production of KISS ME KATE. Rachel McDowell who plays Velma Kelly is probably best recognised as playing Lisa in the film version of Mamma Mia, as well as roles in the latest James Bond film Quantum of Solace and Streetdance: 3D.

Joining them is Terrence Maynard as Billy Flynn who has had numerous TV appearances including Merlin, Holby City, Young Dracula and most recently Public Enemies.

Peter Jöback and Earl Carpenter are to join the cast of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.

Earl Carpenter will return to the role of The Phantom from December 2011 while Peter Jöback will star as “The Phantom” from 19th March 2012. Katy Treharne will also join the cast as “Christine” at certain performances.

Peter Jöback  is one of the most prolific and respected Swedish artists. As a recording artist, Peter has been awarded gold and platinum discs for all of his releases as well as several Grammy nominations.

Earl Carpenter has played Perón in the European Tour of EVITA, Commander Khashoggi in the UK Tour of WE WILL ROCK YOU and Javert in both the West End production and the 25th Anniversary Tour of LES MISERABLES. He has previously played The Phantom in the West End production as well as the starring role of Darryl Van Horne in THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is currently booking until 27th October 2012 at Her Majesty Theatre.

It has recently been announced that classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical CAROUSEL, will return to London for a 5-week run at The Barbican this August.

The romantic fantasy is set at a New England fairground and revolves around the tragic love story straddling both Heaven and Earth, between Carousel ‘barker’ Billy Bigelow and local mill worker Julie Jordan. CAROUSEL last graced the capital 3 years ago when Lesley Garrett led a celebrated cast in Lindsay Posner’s production at The Savoy.

The show premiered on Broadway in 1945 and features a score which includes a number of unforgettable songs such as “What’s the Use of Wond’rin”, “Soliloquy” and of course the timeless “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

Opera North’s new production will be directed by Jo Davies (RUDDIGORE), with choreography from Kim Bandstrup and design by the Olivier Award-winning Anthony Ward (CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, OLIVER).

CAROUSEL will open at The Barbican on August 15th 2012 – marking the first long-term residency in London for Opera North in 20 years – following short runs at the Leeds Grand and The Lowry in Salford through May.

Joining fellow Iranian leading man, Darius Danesh, to the West End this autumn Ramin Karimloo returns to the stage in the role Jean Valjean in Les Misérables from November 29th.

Having recently originated the role of the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies as well as having performed in the title role at the 25th Anniversary performance of Phantom of the Opera he returns to Les Mis having previously starred as Enjolras.

Karimloo joins a current cast which includes Hadley Fraser as Javert, Caroline Sheen as Fantine and Alexia Khadime as Eponine.

For more information on Les Mis or to book tickets visit Les Mis Tickets

Following in Chicago’s footsteps and moving homes in the West End, mega hit Mamma Mia has recently announced plans to relocate next summer.

It’s so long to the Prince of Wales Theatre where the lycra-clad cast of Mamma Mia have been entertaining audiences with Abba classics for over 8 years, and hello to the Novello which sits, ironically, just a stones through from Waterloo Bridge.

It can’t be denied that since opening back in 1999 Mamma Mia has certainly had its producers singing Money, Money, Money having played to 50 million people through its 34 productions worldwide and grossed a cool $2bn!!

Producer Judy Craymer is quoted as saying: “I am delighted that the original production of Mamma Mia will move to the stage of the beautiful Novello theatre. It is a perfect space for the musical. The Novello is a gem of a theatre that perfectly suits the creative needs of Mamma Mia, and provides a comfortable and friendly experience for audiences in the heart of Theatreland.”

For more information or to book your theatre tickets visit Mamma Mia Tickets

We have added tickets to the following show:

The Vaudevillains

Booking from 19th Apr 2011
Booking to 14th May 2011

Everyone is a suspect in this macabre musical of murder – The Vaudevillains is night not to forget!

Combine a two course meal at the Historic Kettners in the heart of Soho with a top price ticket for the hit show Hair at the Gielgud Theatre. The ticket price alone is normally £65, which is the price of the package including the two course meal.

The package is available Monday to Friday evenings with the restaurant booked for 6pm and the show starting at 7.30pm.

About Kettners

Kettners serves fresh, contemporary brasserie food and the different rooms and menus are versatile enough to suit all occasions and tastes from a casual lunch to pre-theatre meal or a special occasion.

About Hair

Welcome to the curly, shaggy, gleaming, streaming, wonderful world of HAIR. For the first time in West End history, an entire original Broadway cast transfers to the London stage!

To book this package visit our Hair page and click the theatre and dinner link.

Combine a main course and a glass of wine at Kitchen Italia in the Heart of Covent Garden with a great value Upper Circle ticket for Hair the The Gielgud Theatre. The ticket alone is normally £39.50. The package price including an Upper Circle ticket and a two course meal is just £42.50.

The package is available Monday to Friday evenings. The restaurant is booked for 6pm and the show starts at 7.30pm.

About Kitchen Italia

Offering a refreshing, new approach to the more conventional Italian restaurant, Kitchen Italia is an all day, sleek, contemporary cantina that dishes up delicious pasta at great value for money.

Specialising in the hundreds of varieties of pasta native to specific Italian regions, each paired with the perfect sauce from light and zingy to rich and robust. The menu takes you on a journey across Italy plus showcases some dishes that prove their influence in world cooking such as Spaghetti with meatballs and Macaroni Cheese. Other dishes include Tagliolini with black truffles, Mafaldine with spicy sausage and Polenta and wild boar ragu.

Bench style seating, fresh herbs and award-winning olive oils on the tables, the restaurant offers a vibrant and buzzy ambience with friendly, knowledgeable staff.

About Hair

Welcome to the curly, shaggy, gleaming, streaming, wonderful world of HAIR. For the first time in West End history, an entire original Broadway cast transfers to the London stage!

To book this package go to the Hair page and click the theatre and dinner link.

New ticket and dinner package available for Legally Blonde, playing at the Savoy Theatre in London.

The package comprises a top price ticket and a two course pre-theatre meal at Sway – one of London’s coolest venues.

The ticket alone is normally £60 and the package price including the meal is just £65.

About Sway

High ceilings and chandeliers all play their part in making Sway one of London’s coolest venues – set midway between Holborn and Covent Garden. Its amazing features though are only half the story, with premium draught beers, a stunning café menu plus a great range of cocktails and wines all contributing to the stylish Sway mix.

Please Note: Sway does not accept patrons under the age of 21

About the show

Society girl Elle gives up shopping for Harvard Law school! Based on the on the Hollywood film starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde The Musical became a Broadway hit.